A 28-year-old California woman was identified this week as one of two Americans found dead at a luxury Mexican resort.
Abby Lutz was vacationing with John Heathco, 41, at Hyatt’s Rancho Pescadero Resort in Baja California Sur when they were found dead in the room they shared on Tuesday. ABC News reported citing the Attorney General of Baja California Sur.
A GoFundMe page set up for Lutz to help return her body and help pay for a funeral said the couple may have died from carbon monoxide poisoning and “improper venting” at the resort.
The Associated Press also reported that gas inhalation was their suspected cause of death.
The couple, who have been described as romantically involved, believed they had contracted food poisoning during their stay and went to hospital for treatment. They got better a few days later before being found dead, GoFundMe reports page reads.
“Abby was the most beautiful soul and we will miss her so much,” the site reads. Lutz’ brother also posted a tribute to his “big sister” on Facebook.
In a separate statement, Lutz’s family expressed their shock and grief at the news of her death: “Abby had an adventurous spirit and a wonderfully kind heart. She loved to travel, to get to know new places and to share her joie de vivre with those around her. We ask for your thoughts and prayers for our family at this very difficult time,” the statement said.
A State Department spokesman told HuffPost that the department is closely monitoring local authorities’ investigations into the cause of death and will provide any appropriate consular assistance.
The hotel’s managing director, Henar Gil, said the police had not provided any concrete information on the cause of death and they “have therefore abstained from speculating about the cause of death”.
“Local authorities have confirmed that there was no evidence of violence related to this isolated incident and that there is no current risk to the safety or well-being of guests,” Gil said in a statement to HuffPost on Thursday.
Also last year, three Americans were found dead in two separate villas at a Sandals resort in the Bahamas after seeing a doctor for nausea and vomiting. A second woman was also flown to a local hospital for treatment.
Local Authorities determined later that they died of carbon monoxide poisoning.
Carbon monoxide is a colorless and odorless gas that is produced when fuel is burned. When inhaled, it prevents the body from properly utilizing oxygen.
symptoms Symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning may include headache, dizziness, nausea and vomiting, shortness of breath, chest pain, weakness, and disorientation.
